It’s May 2nd, and I’m thinking about turning the heater on. Our brutal Chicago winter is extending into spring and causing a lot of angst in the process.

This is the time of year where we are naturally supposed to take off a few layers, get moving outdoors again, bask in the warming sun, get excited about buds on the trees and shed a bit of that weight old man winter packs on us. Spring’s bounty, produce like sprouts and asparagus, is meant for that purpose, to help us cleanse our systems.

However, I don’t really want a cold salad when the temps are hovering in the 40s. So today’s recipe incorporates sprouts with a hot brown rice for a healthy fried version. It’s warm and comforting with a hint of spring freshness.

Warmer weather is just around the corner. Until then, try my Healthy Fried Brown Rice. Oh, is that a little blade of grass I see popping up?

Healthy Fried Brown Rice

1 tablespoon organic coconut oil

1/4 cup sliced red onions

1 clove garlic

1/4 cup sliced celery

1/4 cup carrots, cut in matchsticks

1/2 cup sliced peppers

1/2 cup spinach

juice of 1/2 fresh lime

1 teaspoon red curry powder

1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice

1/2 cup bean sprouts

a few sprigs of cilantro

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

1/8 cup alfalfa, radish or other sprouts

Salt and pepper to taste

Heat the coconut oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and carrots, cook for 2 minutes, tossing often. Add in the garlic, toss and cook for another minute.

Add the celery, peppers, spinach, bean sprouts, curry powder and lime. Toss and cook for 2 minutes. Make sure you get the curry paste mixed in. Add a few tablespoons of water if needed. Mix in the brown rice, toss and cook for another or so to warm the rice.

Pour onto a plate or two, top with sesame seeds, cilantro and fresh sprouts. (I forgot to add the sprouts in for this photos, but they add a nice, fresh crunch.)

This made two meals for me, but it could be just one plate of food. You could stretch it just by adding in more brown rice, meat or even an egg or two.

Fat and Happy Food Blog Tips and Techniques: This recipe is a great way to use up any leftover grain. Just substitute the grain you have for the brown rice. Add any meat for a little protein kick.